TAEYANG Showcases His Range on New Album ‘QUINTESSENCE’ and Title Track “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW”
TAEYANG has returned with a new full-length solo album, QUINTESSENCE, released through THEBLACKLABEL alongside its title track, “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW.” The project marks a major new chapter for the popular BIGBANG vocalist, arriving as a 10-track album that places him back at the center of his solo artistry with one of his most ambitious releases so far.
An Expansive New Era
“LIVE FAST DIE SLOW” introduces the album with a progressive pop sound and a punk-leaning edge, framing the song as a statement about perseverance in a changing world. TAEYANG also played a leading role in the album’s concept and creative direction, shaping QUINTESSENCE around long-running reflections on essence, identity, and the values that remain meaningful over time.
The album’s tracklist moves across cinematic pop, atmospheric R&B, experimental production, and emotionally driven songwriting. Songs like “WOULD YOU,” featuring TARZZAN and WOOCHAN of ALLDAY PROJECT, and “MOVIE” lean into a more reflective mood, while “OPEN UP,” featuring The Kid LAROI, brings a brighter, more energetic moment to the record. “YES” adds another notable reference point by incorporating a sample of BIGBANG and 2NE1’s “Lollipop,” connecting the project to a familiar piece of K-pop history. The album then closes on a more introspective note with “G.O.A.T” and “4U,” bringing its larger emotional arc back to personal reflection.
A Wide-Ranging List of Collaborators
To build out the album, TAEYANG worked with a wide roster of collaborators, including The Stereotypes, Theron Thomas, Tone Stith, j.Que, Chaz Jackson, Paul Blanco, Tablo, CAMO, TEDDY, Vince, Dominsuk, and IDO. The project also features names like The Kid LAROI, TARZZAN, and WOOCHAN, giving QUINTESSENCE a broad mix of Korean and international contributors.
As a whole, QUINTESSENCE captures TAEYANG in a newly expansive mode, pairing his signature precision as a performer with a project that feels reflective, adventurous, and fully self-directed.
Check out the video for “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW” included below.
